Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A 52-year-old former Special Police Constabulary officer shot and killed his wife after a confrontation over sexual abuse allegations involving his stepdaughter, police said.
Police identified the deceased as Portia Dzanwa, 36. Her husband, Pharaoh Dombodzvuku, turned the firearm on himself following the killing. The incident occurred in a parked vehicle in Southlea Park on Sunday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case, urging members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of a police officer after being shot by her husband using a firearm. The accused person used the same weapon in an attempt to kill himself following a misunderstanding on allegations of sexually abusing his stepdaughter,” said Comm Nyathi.
“The suspect injured himself and is currently in hospital under police guard. Investigations are underway to establish the cause and origins of the firearm used.”
Dombodzvuku allegedly sexually abused Dzanwa’s 16-year-old daughter who later disclosed the matter to her mother. The couple visited Dombodzvuku’s brother, Trymore Dombodzvuku, for counselling. Dombodzvuku requested privacy and sent his brother away for “some minutes.”
Within that time, Trymore reportedly heard two gunshots, and rushed to the vehicle where he found Dzanwa already dead and Dombodzvuku unconscious inside the parked car.
Dombodzvuku was admitted at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
A CZ pistol with a magazine containing 12 rounds was found on Dombodzvuku’s lap.
